Supervisor – Heritage Assets Verification

Thusa Batho Labour Solutions; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A national library institution is looking for two Supervisors to oversee heritage asset verification activities at its Cape Town campus. Candidates should have 6 months of supervisory experience, strong knowledge of library systems, and excellent leadership skills. Responsibilities include managing Assistant Librarians, maintaining asset verification tools, and ensuring the accuracy and security of library collections. This role demands a detail-oriented approach with the ability to work under pressure in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• At least 6 months supervisory experience in asset verification or library operations.
• Strong understanding of metadata fields in bibliographic records.
• Knowledge of library filing and classification systems.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Assistant Librarians in heritage asset verification.
• Manage attendance, performance, and workflow allocation.
• Ensure accuracy and security of collections.

Skills

Leadership

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Communication

Tools

Scanners

Asset management systems

Job description

Job Description

A national library institution is seeking two (2) highly organised and detail-oriented Supervisors to oversee heritage asset verification activities at its Cape Town campus. The Supervisors will manage teams of Assistant Librarians responsible for verifying, recording, and safeguarding heritage assets within library stack rooms.

This position requires strong leadership, excellent knowledge of library systems, and the ability to maintain high standards of accuracy and security.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise Assistant Librarians assigned to heritage asset verification activities.
• Manage work attendance, performance, and workflow allocation.
• Monitor the accuracy and completeness of asset verification work.
• Liaise with Stack Management Librarians to resolve queries, including missing, misfiled, or untagged items.
• Ensure the safety and security of collections within stack rooms and controlled areas.
• Maintain oversight of asset verification tools, equipment, and software applications.
• Produce and submit weekly progress reports to the Manager.
• Uphold strict confidentiality and integrity standards when handling heritage collections.

Requirements

• At least 6 months supervisory experience in a similar asset verification, library operations, or heritage collection management project.
• Knowledge of library filing and classification systems (e.g., Dewey, LC Classification, or equivalent).
• Strong understanding of metadata fields in bibliographic records.
• Familiarity with software and tools used for asset verification (e.g., scanners, asset management systems).
• Ability to work accurately under pressure with large volumes of heritage material.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

Preferred Attributes

• Experience working in library, archival, heritage, or information management environments.
• Ability to lead a small team and monitor quality effectively.
• Proven ability to follow strict protocols relating to asset security.
• Ability to travel between stack rooms and conduct physically active tasks when required.